Contents
What is the steering system?
How to understand that you have problems with the steering mechanism?
Conducting diagnostics
Malfunctioning steering can lead to accidents, possibly very serious ones. Every driver should understand this, monitor the system’s condition, and upon noticing the first signs of failure, conduct diagnostics to identify the problem, repair or replace faulty components. It’s no coincidence that driving with malfunctioning steering is prohibited by traffic regulations, and violators face fines and vehicle towing.
Before discussing possible problems and simple diagnostic techniques, let’s say a few words about the steering system’s structure and its working principles.
What is the steering system?
To turn the vehicle in the desired direction and at the desired angle, the driver turns the steering wheel. The mechanism that connects the steering wheel to the steering wheels is called the steering system. What does this system consist of?
The steering wheel is mounted on the steering shaft (column). This is a rather complex structure that must be rigid and durable, but in the event of a frontal collision, it should easily “fold” to avoid injuring the driver. The shaft transmits rotation to the steering mechanism, which consists of a worm or rack-and-pinion gear. The former are becoming less common, giving way to racks. From this unit, steering rods with spherical joints—end fittings—lead to the wheels. And that’s not all.
Nowadays, it’s hard to find a new car without power steering. There are three types:
- Hydraulic (HPS, hydraulic power steering) – where turning is aided by the pressure of a special fluid. This pressure is created by a pump driven by the engine’s crankshaft. Such devices are used less frequently.
- Electric (EPS) – the most popular type of power steering today. The rotation of the steering wheel is assisted by an electric motor. Naturally, the control is electronic, with sensors and a control unit present.
- Electro-hydraulic – combines both of the above devices: it amplifies the fluid, and its pressure is generated by an electric pump controlled by an electronic block.
How to understand that you have problems with the steering mechanism?
There are several signs that directly or indirectly indicate a malfunction in the steering system:
- A knocking sound from the front-bottom could be due to worn-out end fittings or play in the steering mechanism or column joints. It’s also possible that the suspension is rattling—this needs to be repaired timely.
- A free play in the steering wheel will cause constant corrections even when driving straight. Likely, repair or adjustment of the gear is necessary.
- Uneven resistance when turning the wheel, its sticking, or jerking during a turn is most often caused by problems with the power steering.
Remember that any steering malfunctions are extremely dangerous, so quickly head to an automotive service with specialists and diagnostic equipment. However, you can conduct simple diagnostics on your own.
Conducting diagnostics
Let’s start with something simple that almost any car owner can do themselves.
With the engine off, try to shake the steering wheel back and forth and towards and away from yourself. There should be no play or knocking sounds.
Start the engine and quickly turn the wheel from stop to stop. If the effort is uneven, the steering wheel “stops” or, conversely, “drops,” then something is likely wrong. There should be no knocking, impacts, or clicks. The hydraulic power steering might hum slightly at the extreme positions.
More advanced motorists can put their car on a viewing pit or ramp and shake the steering rods. Look for play and knocking sounds. Worn steering end fittings are often visible to the naked eye.
It wouldn’t hurt to check the fluid level in the power steering reservoir.
Next, skills, tools, and possibly special diagnostic equipment will be needed. Issues may be hidden in the pump or power steering valves, the electric motor, the control unit, or for example, the steering angle sensor if the system is electric or electro-hydraulic. Therefore, it’s best to trust a complete diagnostic to specialists at a service center.
How much will it cost to repair the steering system?
It all depends on the identified malfunction: replacing a steering end fitting definitely won’t break the bank, but the cost of a steering rack, especially with a power steering system, can be very high on some models.
However, delaying repairs and continuing to drive a car with steering defects is definitely not advisable. Safety cannot be measured in monetary terms.